Retolaza Liberty
Retolaza Hermanos · Pistol · Discontinued · 1913
Also known as: Liberty, Retolaza Liberty .32
Overview
The Retolaza Liberty is a Spanish blowback semi-automatic pistol chambered in .32 ACP, built by Retolaza Hermanos of Eibar during the First World War. A member of the 'Eibar' or Ruby family of Browning M1903-pattern trade-name pistols, it fed from a nine-round detachable box magazine and was supplied in large numbers to the French Army to make up wartime handgun shortages.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 794 g (28.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 151 mm (5.94") |
| Barrel Length | 87 mm (3.43") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 200 J (148 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 6 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: 9-Round Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Fixed Sights, Single Action
Production
Production years: 1913-1918
Produced during WWI largely for French military contracts as part of the wider Ruby/Eibar pistol procurement.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Retolaza brothers and Gregorio Bolumburu
Discontinued: 1918
Notes
'Liberty' was one of several commercial trade names (alongside Military, Paramount, Stosel and Titanic) used by Retolaza Hermanos for what were essentially the same Eibar-type blowback design. French military examples carry the RH acceptance code.
Background
During the First World War, France's chronic shortage of service handguns was met by contracting dozens of small Eibar gunmakers in Spain to churn out Browning-pattern .32 automatics. Retolaza Hermanos sold theirs under a rotating cast of patriotic trade names, and the Liberty was one such badge stamped on the same reliable blowback design.